Issues before the newly inaugurated Constitution Review Committee

Mon, Feb 26, 2024
By editor
5 MIN READ

Featured, Politics

By Anthony Isibor

AS Nigeria is set to face another round of Constitution Review, there are some salient issues that the newly inaugurated Constitution Review Committee, CRC, are expected to focus on.

The wide-ranging issues, which are pivotal to national growth, include devolution of powers, state policing, enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy.

Other issues of importance are further decongestion of the Exclusive and Legislative Lists, recognising and assigning constitutional roles to traditional institutions and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women representation into appointive and elective positions.

The CRC, which will be working on the Sixth Alteration of the Constitution, will also work on implementing comprehensive electoral reforms to address the gaps identified in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, strengthening the enforceability of legislative instruments and institutional strengthening for greater accountability, among others.

Although several Bills have already been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives touching on some of these very important issues, these areas are crucial for reinforcing our democracy and ensuring that the governance structure meets the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians, said Rt Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The committee, which has been mandated to receive and consider proposals for alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), will create a forum for stakeholders and the public to make inputs into the review process and collaborate with the Senate and the State Houses of Assembly as required by law and will be chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, while the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, will be the Committee’s Deputy Chairman.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee on Monday in Abuja, Abbas Tajudeen  noted that to ensure greater inclusion, the Committee will also have six (6) additional women, one from each of the six geo-political zones. Furthermore, the House Zonal Caucus Leaders have been co-opted in an advisory capacity to advise the Committee on issues relating to their respective zones. Lastly, the Committee’s secretariat will also include a representative of people living with disabilities to ensure that their concerns are properly accommodated.

He explained that although the 1999 Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, has been the grundnorm of Nigeria’s democracy for over two decades, yet like any great edifice, it requires periodic assessment and renovation to ensure it meets the changing needs and aspirations of our people.

He said that while some citizens argue that the document should be entirely discarded, it is important to remember that democratic consolidation can only be incremental and gradual. Even more mature democracies have accepted this position in advancing democratic consolidation. For instance, the United States has ratified 27 amendments to its Constitution.

“Is not just a ritual, but a reflection of our collective resolve to ensure that the foundational document of our democracy evolves to meet the aspirations of all Nigerians. Our population in 1999 was about 120 million. However, by 2023, we had exceeded 220 million people. These rapid changes underscore the need to continuously transform the Constitution into a living and transformative document.”

He urged Members of the Committee and all Nigerians not to shy away from the complexities and the debates that will arise during this process. Instead, let us embrace them as vital components of a vibrant democracy. The discussions and disagreements are not signs of weakness, but rather indications of our strength and diversity. They remind us that we are a nation of many voices, each with something valuable to contribute to our collective future.

The Speaker also called for the adoption of scientific approach grounded in empirical evidence rather than ideology, personal beliefs, or political expediency.

“I also challenge us to go beyond traditional and generic prescriptions and explore gradualism in law making with the understanding that social change can be achieved in small, discrete increments rather than in abrupt strokes or grand solutions. This gradual process will allow us to pilot innovative solutions, engage in meaningful experimentation, and gather concrete data and facts to inform our decisions. Also, this approach ensures that reforms are not only effective but also adapted to the unique needs and challenges of our great nation. Through this careful and considered process, we can achieve sustainable and impactful changes for the good of our country and all Nigerians.

 Realnews reports that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, the Constitution has been subjected to five alterations with landmark changes that have strengthened the democratic institutions, federalism and governance generally.

“The First and Second Alterations provided for the Financial Independence of the National Assembly and Independent National Electoral Commission and granted the Supreme Court jurisdiction on appeals from the Court of Appeal on the elections of governors and their deputies.

“The Third and Fourth Alterations, among others, are the establishment of the National Industrial Court under the Constitution as a superior court of record and provided for the funding of the Houses of Assembly of States directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State. Under the 9th Assembly.

“The Fifth Alteration made some of the most far-reaching amendments. It clarified and reinforced financial autonomy for State Houses of Assembly and Judiciary, decongestion of the Executive List, defined guidelines for the First Session and Inauguration of Members-Elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly, and deleted reference to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act, among others. All these made the Fifth Alteration the most extensive since 1999.”

A.

-February 26, 2024 @ 21:40 GMT|

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